Avant Gardey live in Malaysia (Zepp Lalaport) - 22 December 2024

It’s truly a busy year for Avant Gardey. Ever since their explosive eye-popping appearances in “America’s Got Talent”, they were touring Asia non-stop. Finally, it’s Malaysia’s turn to bask in 80 minutes of fun time with the eccentric and talented Japanese dance troupe. A novice to dance recital, I wasn’t sure of the duration for performance of this nature. It’s definitely shorter than concerts of International singing acts. Considering the stamina required to dance non-stop and with such vigour, 80 minutes is certainly not easy. It’s also my first time at “Zepp KL” venue, which is the first choice for Japanese performers. I do like the elevated seats, where everyone should have a fairly unobstructed view of the stage.  That said, instructions on the entrance for the different ticket categories could have been better.  I ended-up  going up and down the escalators several times, trying to find my way to the correct gate. A senior citizen approached me and enquired about the time for the group photo session with Avant Gardey (from my past experience, it is usually after the show).  She was shocked and upset when I told her the organizer’s FB post stated that photo shoot is in the morning, which made me questioned whether adequate notice has been conveyed to those eligible for this privilege. I noticed many empty VIP box as opposed to being advertised as sold out in their social media.  I adore Avant Gardey and have much respect for the girls but the organizer could have improve in certain areas.  As for some grouses about the steep ticket price, I have to say the costs are actually pretty reasonable and justified.  You have to take into account that there are 19 members in the dance ensemble, so naturally you don’t expect to pay them peanuts, with the production costs and wages involved.

 Before the concert, Nona, Miyu and Kohana plus 3P were at Fahrenheit mall for a dance challenge, featuring 3P’s latest CNY single, “Yes Sir” (YES蛇).On the big day, they start the ball rolling with the introduction of each member (cheers were extra loud when Nona, Seira and Pani took to the stage).  The first track to greet the audience is Yaosobi’s catchy song, “Idol”.  My favourite part is Cantopop medley, where memorable hit songs from the 90s such as Leon’s “Sugar in the marmalade”, “Sayonara O (我的親愛)”, Jacky’s “Messy Hair” (头发乱了), Louis Koo “Today’s Trend”(今期流行) and Andy Lau’s “I hate myself for loving you” (我恨我癡心). One of the members even impersonated Andy on stage.  Avant Gardey also slotted in a few local songs, namely, “Alamak”, “Rasa Sayang” and “周星翅”.Much to my chagrin, local dance group/influencers 3P was invited to collaborate with Avant Gardey on “Pa Sang Anthem”.  I am no fan of 3P or Steady Gang or any or the youtuber turned singers such as Phei Yong or the Kuan family.  Abba’s “Money Money Money” was also part of their repertoire, along with Creepy Nuts’ “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born”, songs from “One Piece” anime, “Get Wild” and many others.  Aside from dancing, Nona also exhibit her hidden talent - impersonating skills !  She had the audience in stitches with her hilarious facial expression and body gesture when miming to Whitney Housten’s “I will always love you”.  FYI - Nona is also known to look like my HK idol, Elaine You. Before you know it, it’s curtain call time and the show wind up with Aaron Kwok’s “Para Para Sakura”.  Pani (spokesperson for the group) announced that they will be holding a concert in Japan next year and hope to see us in the Land of The Rising Sun. With their limited command of the English language, understandably there was not much interactions with the audience. Nevertheless, they have made an effort to engage with the crowd. There were many supporters and neon signs from Taiwanese, Singapore and HK fans as well.  Their dancing style is definitely drawing the crowds for now but honestly, it tends to get repetitive after some time. Hopefully, Avant Gardey will continue to evolve in their dance journey and surprise us with their latest transformation soon.